What is the thematic context of Clouds?

romantic landscape, constable's skies", light & atmosphere, nature observation", british rural life, scientific study

Vásároljon egy másolatot a(z) {{ artwork.title }} alkotásból Clouds

A műalkotás leírása

Clouds is one of around fifty extant paintings of the sky that Constable made in Hampstead between 1821 and 1822, and it has been estimated that he produced over one hundred such studies at the time. Constable made this kind of intense examination, which he called ‘skying’, to precisely record different weather conditions, in preparation for his grand landscapes. He considered the sky of paramount importance to landscape painting. In 1821 he wrote a letter to his close friend John Fisher in which he stated...It will be difficult to name a class of landscape in which the sky is not the keynote, the standard of scale, and the chief organ of sentiment … The sky is the source of light in Nature, and governs everything.Skying was so critical to Constable that he ensured that his approach to it was scientifically methodical. The nature of his observations is exemplified by his inscription on the back of Clouds:5 September 1822. 10 o clock. Morning, looking South-East, very brisk wind at West. Very bright & fresh grey clouds running very fast over a yellow bed about half-way in the sky. Very appropriate for the coast at Osmington.The reference here to the small town of Osmington, on the Dorset coast, was to a large painting that the artist was planning. Constable sketched in and around this area during his honeymoon there in 1816, and in 1824 he painted a number of works based on the Osmington sketches. This particular Hampstead cloud study was not, however, used for any known Osmington painting. Constable did not make his cloud studies purely so as to copy each of them into later paintings – it was the overall experience gained through concentrated observation and documentation that was ultimately of immense benefit to him.Text by Laurie Benson from 19th century painting and sculpture in the international collections of the National Gallery of Victoria, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, 2003, p. 19.

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A művész életrajza

John Constable Reeve (1929 – 2020): A Suffolk Painter's Legacy

John Constable Reeve, born at Valley Farm, Sproughton, Ipswich in 1929, was the son of Clarence Victor Reeve and Mabel Rose Wright. Their marriage took place in Ipswich in 1921, and he had a sister, Diana Rose Reeve. He commenced his education at school in December 1943 and subsequently worked on the family farm, maintaining his childhood passion for painting as a lifelong pursuit. From 1947 onwards, Reeve achieved consistent recognition within the artistic community, securing awards at the Royal Drawing Society and the Children’s Academy, demonstrating remarkable talent from a young age.

Early Exhibitions & Recognition: Reeve debuted his artistic endeavors in 1941 with two paintings – “Lower Meadow Bridge” and “Sunshine” – showcased at the Ipswich Art Club. He continued to exhibit regularly throughout the decade, earning prestigious awards at the Children’s Academy for works like "Ivywell Farm, Sproughton, Suffolk" and "After the Shower," cementing his reputation as a gifted artist.
Membership & Artistic Circles: Reeve became an active participant in influential artistic organizations such as the Ipswich Art Club (1945-1958) and the Norfolk & Norwich Art Circle (1949-1966), fostering connections with fellow artists and enriching his creative environment.
Norfolk Aviation Museum Contribution: In 2013, Reeve generously donated a watercolor painting titled “Happy Pigs” to the Westhall Secret Postcard Auction, highlighting his commitment to supporting local initiatives and preserving artistic heritage.

His artistic style evolved over time, reflecting influences from luminist painters like John Ottis Adams and embracing the serene landscapes of rural Suffolk—particularly around Mettingham where he resided during his later years. Reeve’s dedication to capturing the beauty of nature through watercolor proved to be a defining characteristic of his oeuvre. He produced numerous paintings depicting idyllic scenes of farmland, livestock, and tranquil countryside vistas.

Notable Paintings: Among Reeve's celebrated works are “Norfolk & Norwich Aero Club,” portraying early aviation amidst picturesque surroundings; "John Muir House," commemorating the birthplace of renowned naturalist John Muir; and “St John’s Co-Cathedral”, capturing architectural grandeur in Malta.

Reeve passed away peacefully at Mettingham on March 14, 2020, at the age of 90, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to inspire admiration for its evocative portrayal of rural England and its masterful execution of watercolor technique. His legacy resides in his contribution to Suffolk’s artistic landscape and his enduring fascination with capturing the essence of the natural world.

john constable reeve

1929 - 2020

Rövid tények

Artistic Movement Or Style: Romanticism
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Norfolk & Norwich Art Circle']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Charles Jacombs']
Date Of Birth: June 11, 1929
Date Of Death: March 14, 2020
Full Name: John Constable Reeve
Nationality: British
Notable Artworks:
- Lower Meadow Bridge
- Sunshine
Place Of Birth: Valley Farm, Sproughton, Ipswich

Kapcsolódó cikkek

John Constable 25 Mesterműve: A Természet Lényege Vászonon – TopImpressionists.com

Fedezze fel John Constable 25 legszebb művészeti alkotását! Ismerje meg a romantika ikonikus tájképeit, Dedham Vale szépségét és a természet lenyűgöző ábrázolásait. Vászonkép reprodukcióinkkal eleganciát csempészhet otthonába – TopImpressionists.com